Swivel caster supported exercising handle apparatus

ABSTRACT

An exercising device in the form of a handle supported by at least three swivel casters and adapted to be moved about a floor while supporting the upper body of a person in use. The handle defines a longitudinal axis around which the swivel casters are symmetrically and fixedly disposed. Additionally, the handle has a girth which enables circumferential gripping by an adult hand.

ijnited States Patent 1191 Jones May 7, 19M

[5 SWIVEL CASTER SUPPORTED 2,821,394 l/l958 Barbeau 272/79 R xEXERCKSING HANDLE APPARATUS FOREIGN PATENTS'OR APPLICATIONS lnvenwrlRowan J 831 NE 20th A 239,095 6/1962 Australia 280/79.1 Fort Lauderdale,Fla. 33304 979,475 4/1951 France 272/57 1 [22] Filed: Oct. 25, 1972Primary ExammerR1chard C. Pmkham [21] Appl. 300,795 AssistantExaminerR.T. Stouffer Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Lane, Aitken, Dunner &[52] US. (:1. 272/57 J Ziems, [51] Int. Cl A63b 23/00 [58] Field ofSearch 272/57 R, 57 D, 57 J, 60, [57] ABSTRACT .272/79 R168;28O/79'1 Anexercising device in the form of a handle supported by at least threeswivel casters and adapted to [56] References cued be moved about afloor while supporting the upper UNITED STATES PATENTS body of a personin use. The handle defines a longitu- 3,622,152 1 1/1971 Place 272/57 Jdinal axis around which the swivel casters are symmet- 2,472,952 6/1949Lennard... 280/79,] X rically and fixedly disposed. Additionally, thehandle 2,969,245 1/1961 Wilson 280/79l X has a girth which enablescircumferential gripping by 1,010,796 12/1911 Pons 1 272/68 an adult d1,824,920 9/1931 Novak 272/57 J 2,069,384 2/1937 Ogden 272/79 R X 6Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTEMM 7 1914 SHEET 1 [1F 3 PATENTED 7 i974SHEET 3 [If 3 36 [WAN BACKGROUND or THE INVENTION This invention relatesto exercising apparatus and more particularly, it concerns exercisingapparatus of the type in which a pair of hand-held devices are movedabout a supporting surface such as a floor while supporting in varyingdegrees the weight of the upper body portion of a person whileexercising.

During the past several 'years in this country, numerous forms ofrelatively simple exercising devices have become commercially availablefor use largely in the homes of persons desiring to engage in routineexercising activities. One popular version of such devices takes theform of a simple wheel and axle, the axle extending as handlesonopposite sides of the wheel. In use, the handles are grasped one ineach hand of a person upon assuming a kneeling position. By extendingand retracting the wheel while supporting the weight of the personsupper body portion on the handles, several muscles are effectivelyexercised. In another version of the same type of apparatus, a singlehandle is supported between two wheels of a device, one such devicebeing grasped in each hand by the person desiring to use the apparatusin the performance of exercises. In this latter instance, theindependence of movement by each hand and arm of the user facilitates anincreased range of exercises and correspondingly, an increased abilityto use additional upper body muscles in the performance of .suchexercises.

Although the popularity of such simple and relatively inexpensiveexercising devices is more than adequately justified by the resultsachieved in their use, the range of exercising activities permitted bysuch devices is somewhat limited by the uni-directional or linearmovement to which they are constrained during any given exercisingmovement. In other words, the relatively fixed concentric relation ofthe handle and wheel axes restricts each extension or retraction strokeduring use to a linear path. Asaresult, upper body muscles which mightbe required to maintain a linear path, for example, or to move thedevices in other than a linear path are not exercised in the use of suchdevices.

One form of apparatus which avoids the exercising limitations in the twoforms of devices referred to above is disclosed in US. Pat. No.3,622,152 issued to Virgil A. Place on Nov. 23, 1971. The devicedisclosed in this patent takes the orm of a ball or sphere socketed foruniversal rotation in an inverted cup-like hand grip member. In the useof the disclosed apparatus to perform the kind of exercises describedabove, it will be appreciated that a person holding one such device ineach hand and supporting his weight on his knees and his hands may movethe devices in a circular path. While the enhanced measure of exercisingcapability afforded by the apparatus disclosed in the cited US. patentover simple wheel and axle devices of the type described above will beapparent, considerable wrist strength and dexterity or coordination isrequired on the part of the person using such an apparatus to maintainthe devices in an upright or freely movable condition. The amount ofsuch wrist and hand control over the inverted cup and ball device ofthis prior patent can be appreciated by an analysis of hand and wristaction required to move each device in a circular path, the

center of which is positioned vertically under the shoulder joint of theperson performing the exercise.

It is apparent, therefore, that available forms of exercising devices ofthe type referred to above, though providing an effective andinexpensive facility for persons desiring to exercise their bodies,leave room for improvement.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION In accordance with the presentinvention, an improved exercising apparatus is provided by which thelimitations of apparatus heretofore available are substantiallyovercome. In point of structure, the device of the present inventiontakes the form of a handle preferably of bar-like configuration tofacilitate grasping by the thumb and forefingers with the wrist in arelatively straight symmetrical position, the handle being supported ina plane parallel to and spaced from a floor or other surface on whichthe device is used by a stable assembly of omni-directional or swivelingcasters. Stability or maintenance of the handle is a single plane isachieved by providing at least three and preferably four swivel castersto support the handle. As a result of this stable support, any tendencyfor the handle to tilt or twist out of plane parallel to the floor willbe prevented.

Among the objects of the present invention are therefore: the provisionof an improved exercising apparatus of the type in which a weightportion of the users body is supported on the apparatus during movementthereof on a floor or other surface under the control of the users upperbody muscles; the provision of such an improved exercising apparatuscapable of being moved in all directions in the exercising of upper bodymuscles without requiring abnormal wrist and hand dexterity or strength;and the provision of an improved exercising apparatus of the typereferred to which is simple in structure and low in cost.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a plan view of a preferredform of an exercising device in accordance with the present invention;

I FIGS. 1 and 2;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodimentof an exercising device in accordance with the present invention isillustrated in FIGS. 1-3 of the drawings and designated generally by thereference numeral 10. As shown, the device 10 includes an elongateddowel or bar-like handle 12 of circular cross-section and rabbeted atits ends to provide steps or notches 14 to receive transverselyextending plate-like support members16. The geometry of the notches l4and support members 16 enables the handle .to be fixed rigidly to eachof the support members 16 by suitable means such as an adhesive or glue,screws, bolts or a combination of these well-known fastening techniques.After connection in this manner and as will be appreciated from theillustration in FIGS. l-3 of the drawings, the assembly of the handle 12and transverse support member 16 constitute a rigid unit.

The transverse members 16 are supported near each end by swivel casters18, each being of conventional design to include a roller or wheel 20, aswivel 22 and a mounting bracket 24. As shown in-FIGS. 2 and 3', themounting brackets are fixed to the underside of the transversemembers 16by screws 26. It is seen therefore, that the axes of the swivels 22 arefixed in relative horizontal location both with respect to each otherand with respect to the handle 12. In this respect, it is noted that thehandle 12 and transverse members 14 may be made of any suitable materialsuch as wood, plastic or metal with-minor variations to accommodate thisdifferent materials. For example, the use of the screws 26 to secure theswivel casters 18 to the bottom of the transverse members 16 would besupplanted by through bolting or welding in the event the transversemembers were made of a metal such as steel.

The provision ofone swivel caster at each end of both transversesupportmembers 16 or the use of four swivel casters to support thehandle 12 in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, insures that the axisof the handle 12 will at all times be maintained in a plane spaced fromand parallel to a floor 27 or other surface on which the device 10 ispositioned. Thus, the central portion of the handle 12 may be heldfirmly in the hand of an adult person using the thumb and fingers in aclosed fist position. Also, the handle may be grasped while maintainingthe wrist in a relatively sraight or locked condition.

The manner in which the structural organization of the device 10facilitates the performance of various exercises is shown by way ofexample in FIGS. 4 and of the drawings. Also it may be seen inthese-figues tht the handle 12 is of a size having a 'girth whichenables circu'rnferential gripping by an adulthand in a closed fistgripping position and is of a length between the sup ports 16approximately the same as the width of the adult hand in such a closedfist gripping position. In the particular exercise illustrated, a personassumes a kneeling position on 'a floor or other suitable surface and,grasping one of the devices in each hand by the handle 12 in the mannerdescribed above, moves the devices in a generally circular path 28 whilesupporting the weight of his upper body portion on the devices 10. Byperforming such an exercise, the person's shoulder, abdominal and backmuscles may be exercised as strenuously as he chooses merely by changingthe distance between the center of the circles 28 and his knees. Be-

cause of the stability provided by the use of four swivel the devices 10may be moved in linear paths of a parallel-or non-parallel relation orcombinations of these various movements. In addition, it is possible toperform other forms of exercising using only one of the devices 10 inwhich case the person performing the exercise grasps the handle 12 with.both hands.

In an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6,

' the handle 12 is supported at one end by a transverse support member30 similar to the transverse support members 16 described above withrespect to the embodiment of FIGS. l-3, the transverse member 30' alsobeing supported by a pair of swivel casters 18. The other end of thehandle 12 in this embodiment, however, is supported by a single swivelcaster 18 supported centrally on the bottom of a square plate 32. Itwill be apparent therefore, that like the embodiments of FIGS. 1-3, theaxes of the swivels 22 are symmetrically disposed in relation to thelongituinal axis of the handle 12.

While the embodiment of FIG. 6 provides stability for the handle 12 inlight of the triangular arrangement of swivel casters used in thisembodiment, it is somewhat less stable than that of the embodiment ofFIG. 1 and also provides slightly more resistance to free movement abouta floor particularly one which is carpeted because of the reduced numberof swivel casters employed.

A still further embodiment of the exercising device of this invention isillustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 of the drawings. In this instance, thehandle 12' is formed as a stepped shaft having a cylindrical centerportion 34 extending on opposite ends in square or non-circular mountingportions 36 rigidly secured such as by screws 38 within a complementingthrough bore 40 in each of the transverse support members 16. Arotatable hand grip 42 is supported by the central portion 34 of thehandle shaft. As in embodiment of FIGS. l-3, four swivel casters 18 areemployed to support the handle 12'.

The embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8 has the advantage of facilitatingcompletely free movement of the exercising device of the presentinvention. It has been found in practice, however, to be more difficultto control and notas suitable as the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, forexample, for use by'older persons or persons with limited strengthintheir hands and arms.

In light of the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that as aresult of this invention an improved exercising apparatus is provided bywhich the above mentioned objectives are completely fulfilled. It willalso be appreciated that further modifications of the forms of apparatusdisclosed will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is intended,therefore, that the foregoing description is illustrative of preferredembodiments only, not limiting, and that the true spirit and scope ofthe present invention will be determined by reference to the appendedclaims.

Iclaim:

1. An exercising device of the type adapted to be moved about asupporting surface such as a floor while supporting at least a portionof theweight of a person in the performance of exercises, said devicecomprising: a single elongated handle defining a longitudinal axis andhaving a girth which enables circumferential gripping by an adult handin a closed fist gripping position; and support means for retaining saidhandle in a plane parallel to and spaced from the floor or other suchsurface; said support means including at least three swivel casters toenable free movement of said handle in all directions in said plane andmeans fixing the location of the axes of said swivel casters relative toeach other and symmetrically disposed in relation to the longitudinalaxis of said handle, at least a portion of said handle being presentedabove said support means and the length of said handle between saidsupport means being approximately the same as the width of an adult handin a closed fist gripping position.

2. The device recited in claim 1 wherein said support means includes atleast one transverse member to mount two of said swivel casters, one oneach side of said handle.

3. The device recited in claim 1 wherein said support means includes apair of transverse members connected at opposite ends of said handle,each of said transverse members mounting a pair of said swivel casters,one of each pair being positioned on opposite sides of said handle.

4. The apparatus recited in claim 3 wherein said handle is of bar-likecylindrical configuration and fixed rigidly to said transverse members.

5. Anexercising apparatus of the type by which a person moves a pair ofhand held devices on a floor or other surface on which the person issupported at least in part, each such device comprising: a singleelongated handle defining a longitudinal axis and having a girth whichenables circumferential gripping by an adult hand in a closed fistgripping position; and support means for retaining said handle in aplane parallel to and spaced from the floor or other such surface; saidsupport means including at least three swivel casters to enable freemovement of said handle in all directions in said plane and means fixingthe location of the axes of said swivel casters relative to each otherand symmetrically disposed in relation to the longitudinal axis of saidhandle, at least a portion of said handle being presented above saidsupport means and the length of said handle between said support meansbeing approximately the same as the width of an adult hand in a closedfist gripping position.

6. An exercising device of the type adapted to be moved about asupporting surface such as a floor while supporting at least a portionof the weight of the person in the performance of exercises, said devicecomprising: a handle having a central portion freely rotatable about theaxis thereof; and support means for retaining said handle in a planeparallel to and spaced from the floor or other such surface, saidsupporting means including a pair of transverse members connected at0pposite ends of said, handle, and a pair of swivel casters mounted oneach of said transverse members, one of each pair of casters beingpositioned on opposite sides of said handle, said swivel castersenabling free movement of said handle in all directions in said planeand means fixing the location of the axes of said swivel castersrelative to each other-and to said handle.

1. An exercising device of the type adapted to be moved about asupporting surface such as a floor while supporting at least a portionof the weight of a person in the performance of exercises, said devicecomprising: a single elongated handle defining a longitudinal axis andhaving a girth which enables circumferential gripping by an adult handin a closed fist gripping position; and support means for retaining saidhandle in a plane parallel to and spaced from the floor or other suchsurface; said support means including at least three swivel casters toenable free movement of said handle in all directions in said plane andmeans fixing the location of the axes of said swivel casters relative toeach other and symmetrically disposed in relation to the longitudinalaxis of said handle, at least a portion of said handle being presentedabove said support means and the length of said handle between saidsupport means being approximately the same as the width of an adult handin a closed fist gripping position.
 2. The device recited in claim 1wherein said support means includes at least one transverse member tomount two of said swivel casters, one on each side of said handle. 3.The device recited in claim 1 wherein said support means includes a pairof transverse members connected at opposite ends of said handle, each ofsaid transverse members mounting a pair of said swivel casters, one ofeach pair being positioned on opposite sides of said handle.
 4. Theapparatus recited in claim 3 wherein said handle is of bar-likecylindrical configuration and fixed rigidly to said transverse members.5. An exercising apparatus of the type by which a person moves a pair ofhand held devices on a floor or other surface on which the person issupported at least in part, each such device comprising: a singleelongated handle defining a longitudinal axis and having a girth whichenables circumferential gripping by an adult hand in a closed fistgripping position; and support means for retaIning said handle in aplane parallel to and spaced from the floor or other such surface; saidsupport means including at least three swivel casters to enable freemovement of said handle in all directions in said plane and means fixingthe location of the axes of said swivel casters relative to each otherand symmetrically disposed in relation to the longitudinal axis of saidhandle, at least a portion of said handle being presented above saidsupport means and the length of said handle between said support meansbeing approximately the same as the width of an adult hand in a closedfist gripping position.
 6. An exercising device of the type adapted tobe moved about a supporting surface such as a floor while supporting atleast a portion of the weight of the person in the performance ofexercises, said device comprising: a handle having a central portionfreely rotatable about the axis thereof; and support means for retainingsaid handle in a plane parallel to and spaced from the floor or othersuch surface, said supporting means including a pair of transversemembers connected at opposite ends of said handle, and a pair of swivelcasters mounted on each of said transverse members, one of each pair ofcasters being positioned on opposite sides of said handle, said swivelcasters enabling free movement of said handle in all directions in saidplane and means fixing the location of the axes of said swivel castersrelative to each other and to said handle.